
Senate Democrats say 2012-13 state budget should move Pennsylvania forward >more

Sen. Costa dances with students and staff at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children’s 125th “birthday” celebration. Learn more at wpsbc.org.

Costa Votes Against LRC Final Plan
Senate Democratic Leader Offers Plan Which Adheres to Constitutional Mandate
HARRISBURG, December 12, 2011 - - Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) expressed disappointment with the final legislative redistricting plan which was passed by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission today by a 4-1 vote. An amendment introduced by Costa which proposed a more balanced plan was voted down 3-2 along party lines.

The on-going dispute between health care giants Hiighmark Inc. and UPMC was the focus of a lengthy public hearing on Nov. 30th in Pittsburgh. Conducted by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, the hearing featured testimony by UPMC CEO Jeffrey Romoff and Dr. Kenneth R. Melani, CEO and president of Highmark. Read more in the Post-Gazette and Tribune Review.

Sen. Costa raises strong objections to the current redistricting plan during the Nov. 18th Legislative Reapportionment Commission at the state capitol.
>read more >audio

Sen. Costa joined former Gov. Ed Rendell at a Nov. 15th capitol news conference to tout progress made in basic education in Pennsylvania over the past eight years. He also expressed concern about how recent budget cuts could have a negative impact on those improvements. >audio

Sen. Costa welcomes everyone who attended and participated in the Nov. 3rd town hall meeting at the William E. Anderson Library in Penn Hills.

Costa: Republican reapportionment map is pure, unadulterated politics >more
Costa Touts Lower Recidivism, Cost-Savings and Economic Benefits of SB 100 Passage
HARRISBURG, October 18, 2011 - - Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today applauded Senate passage of legislation that would reduce Pennsylvania’s over-crowded prison population and expand eligibility for essential reentry programs. >more

October 18, 2011 - Sen. Costa joined a bipartisan group of House and Senate members from Western Pennsylvania to update the public on the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the UPMC/Highmark impasse.
"We have strongly urged both of these entities to do the right thing. They need to get back to the table and start showing everyone that the people of Western Pennsylvania whom they serve are a priority for them. We intend to pursue every option available to us as elected officials to make sure that happens. While stepping into the affairs of private enterprise is usually frowned upon, we are very concerned when it potentially affects the health and well-being of our constituents," said Costa.
» Watch Press Conference

September 26, 2011 -- Sen. Costa joined his Senate Democratic colleagues to push for passage of a job creation program that could create 80,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. >more

September 14, 2011 -- Sen. Costa and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi listen to testimony during the Sept. 14th public hearing conducted by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission regarding the upcoming redrawing of Pennsylvania’s legislative district lines. >more

August 10, 2011 – - Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Minority Chairman John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) today joined Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) at the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Commons to discuss the potential impacts and job creation opportunities presented by the growing Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania.
» Read More » Watch

Sen. Costa, along with Homestead Mayor Betty Esper and West Homestead Mayor Ray Bodnar, display some of the carbon monoxide detectors now available to needy families and senior citizens who cannot afford to purchase one for their residence. Read more about how Sen. Costa obtained a state grant to purchase the detectors.




At his May 7th town hall meeting in Penn Hills, Sen. Costa chats with legislative aide Stanley Adamski, Allegheny County Councilman Nick Futules and state Rep. Tony DeLuca. >more photos >video




Sen. Costa joins his Senate Democratic colleagues to announce PA Works, a major new jobs initative that focuses on efficiency. >more >audio >video

Sen. Costa talks with Becky Abrams, director of the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry, and state Rep. Dan Frankel as they spend time touring the agency’s 4,500-square-foot location on Hazelwood Avenue. The SHCFP opened the new, larger location on November 1st to better serve people in need who live in the 15217 zip code area.
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